When drivers get behind the wheel of a car they are often aware of the inherent risks that they may come across. Accidents between two cars are common. Truck accidents are less common, but could lead to serious or even catastrophic injuries. There are always other dangers on the road as well, such as bad weather causing ponding on the roads or downed power lines or trees. In rural areas, there might be additional hazards, such as deer or even runaway cattle. And, as one driver learned last week, slow moving tractors can lead to an accident.
The incident occurred on April 19, when a 2002 Ford Mustang travelling eastbound on Phinneyville Road around noon collided with a farm tractor travelling in the opposite direction. Both the car and the tractor were severely damaged in the crash. The 61-year-old female driver of the Mustang, from Ringdown, Pennsylvania, suffered injuries and was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital-Minors Campus, Coaldale by paramedics for treatment.
The cause of the accident is under investigation, as there were conflicting reports from each side as to the cause. The 31-year-old driver of the tractor claims that the driver of the car did not slow down when approaching the tractor, causing the collision. The driver of the car claimed that the tractor was partially in her lane and struck the car.
Once the police sort out the stories and release a report, there will be a better understanding of who was at fault for the accident. If it is determined that the driver of the tractor was found to be a negligent or a careless driver, the injured driver may be entitled to compensation for her injuries. This may include not only rehabilitation costs and medical expenses, but possibly pain and suffering and even lost wages, depending on the court’s ruling.
Source: Republican Herald, “Police log, April 20, 2017,” April 20, 2017